Published in 1737 as part of A Curious Herbal, Elizabeth Blackwell’s illustration of the red poppy (Papaver rubrum erraticum, rhoeas) captures the delicate structure and vivid color of one of Europe’s most recognizable wildflowers. Created as a reference for medicinal study, the plate combines scientific clarity with refined decorative presence.
The composition presents the plant in full – root, stem, leaves, bud, and open bloom – allowing for careful observation of its botanical characteristics. The fragile, translucent petals are rendered in rich crimson tones, contrasted against finely detailed foliage and seed pods. Blackwell’s precise engraving and hand-coloring give the image both instructional value and visual vibrancy.
As part of one of the earliest comprehensive herbals produced in the eighteenth century, this work reflects the Enlightenment’s dedication to cataloging and understanding the natural world. The red poppy plate remains a striking example of botanical illustration, where accuracy and aesthetic grace are held in equal measure.
🖨️ Print features:
– Made with museum-grade archival paper for excellent printing fidelity and vibrant color reproduction
– Paper weight: 189 g/m2
– For indoor use only
– Care instructions: If the print does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.
– Please note: Due to the production process of these posters, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/16″
🚚 Fulfillment and Shipping:
– Printed and shipped from the U.S.
– Ships in a sturdy mailing tube, frame not included
💬 Questions? Looking for something else, or want something in a different size? Feel free to reach out anytime; we’ll see what we can do!
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